Hacktivism is a term derived from the combination of “hacker” and “activism.” It refers to any online activity—often illegal—aimed at driving social, political, or environmental change through the use of the internet and digital communication methods. Governments and large corporations are the most common targets, but other groups with conflicting values may also find themselves in hacktivists’ crosshairs.
Hacktivism as Digital Civil Disobedience
Hacktivism is a form of civil disobedience that takes place in cyberspace, similar to traditional protests such as sit-ins, graffiti activism, or underground press movements. Hacktivists are often driven by a desire to expose injustice, such as disrupting terrorism financing, promoting free speech, supporting local uprisings, or challenging the authority of governments and large corporations. Their goal is to exert pressure on organizations with the power to influence the issues they seek to change.
“Hacktivists often act out of a perceived need to correct something they see as immoral. Many believe they are fighting for justice, though personal motivations such as revenge can also play a role,” explains Robert Dąbrowski, head of Fortinet’s engineering team in Poland.
From Protest to Cybercrime: Hacktivist Tactics
Hacktivists employ a variety of methods, ranging from peaceful protests to aggressive cyberattacks. One of the most widely used tactics is the Denial-of-Service (DoS) attack.
“A DoS attack works by overwhelming a victim’s servers with excessive automated requests. The system, unable to process such a large volume of data, crashes. As a result, websites become inaccessible until the attack stops,” explains Dąbrowski.
Other common hacktivist tactics include:
- Website defacement – altering existing content or adding new messages to damage the target’s reputation.
- Doxing – stealing and exposing confidential information, often targeting individuals who stand to lose the most from such leaks.
Cybercriminals or Freedom Fighters?
There are many hacktivist groups, though not all have official names. Some of the most well-known include:
- Anonymous – known for cyberattacks against ISIS, the CIA, and the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA), using DoS attacks on government websites and organizing offline protests.
- LulzSec – a group famous for high-profile hacks on Sony, the FBI, and major corporations.
- Impact Team – responsible for exposing Ashley Madison user data, aiming to shame unfaithful spouses.
Another major player in digital whistleblowing is WikiLeaks, a platform dedicated to leaking government secrets. One of its most famous cases was the publication of emails from Hillary Clinton’s 2016 campaign manager. While it is unclear if this leak directly influenced the U.S. election results, many believe it played a significant role in her loss to Donald Trump.
Legal and Ethical Challenges
Hacktivists who engage in illegal activities are difficult to prosecute due to:
- Online anonymity, which allows them to operate undetected.
- International jurisdiction issues, as many attacks affect organizations in multiple countries, requiring global cooperation for arrests.
- Diverse legal systems, with varying approaches to cybercrime, making prosecution complex.
While hacktivism can be seen as a tool for social justice, ethical boundaries must be respected. Only lawful methods can lead to sustainable and meaningful change in society.
Source: Manager Plus
